Primary Systems

There's a specific elegance that emerges when systems are forced to optimize under strict constraints. When everything must be weatherproof at highway speeds, when total capacity is limited to what a Versys X 300 can carry, when items must be both accessible and secure, when creative tools need to coexist with survival gear - traditional optimization strategies break down.

The system currently manifests across three primary containers:

5.11 Rush 24 (128oz base)
WLF Enduro Pack (70.5oz base)
Timbuk2 Waist Pack (70.5oz loaded)

Gear System

Each container operates as part of a larger capability web. The sleep system breaks down to fit a 20L dry bag (94.17oz loaded). The electronics kit (12.7oz) carries everything from emergency cash to field recording gear. Even the art supplies (26.27oz) are weatherproofed and ready for deployment.

The constraints of motorcycle mobility force unnatural optimizations. You can't minimize weight without limit (↓0) - you need tools that work. You can't maximize capacity (↑∞) - everything must fit on the bike. You can't specialize - a journey requires diverse capabilities.

The system documented here evolved through necessity. At its core lies a scoring matrix that quantifies what most gear discussions can only approximate. Each item is evaluated across four axes:

Time Criticality (how quickly you might need it)
Consequence Severity (what happens if you don't have it)
Weight/Space Penalty (what it costs to carry)
Multi-Use Factor (how versatile it proves in practice)

This isn't theoretical. The scores emerge from actual use. These constraints created something unexpected: a better system than intentional design would have produced. This is an analysis of that system, how it evolved, and why it works for me.

Whether you ride or not, the principles here apply to anyone interested in maintaining multiple capabilities within strict constraints.

CONTAINER HIERARCHY

Rush 24 (128oz) - Main urban/wilderness capacity
WLF Enduro (70.5oz) - Motorcycle-specific kit
Timbuk2 Waist (70.5oz loaded) - Active access layer
Multiple dry bags for modular organization

CAPABILITY CLUSTERS

Documentation System [19.2oz total]

X-Pro3 + 23mm lens (28.9oz)
Grandmother's recorder
Watercolor kit (26.27oz with supplies)

Enables: Visual/audio/analog capture across contexts

Survival Core [47oz total]

Sleep system (94.17oz complete)
First aid (13oz)
Mobile shelter components

Enables: 72hr self-sufficiency in varied conditions

Creative Tools [32.4oz total]

Art supplies
Field recording gear
Writing implements

Enables: Multi-medium artistic practice

Technical Support [53.2oz total]

Motorcycle toolkit (30oz)
Power systems
Emergency communications

Enables: Vehicle maintenance, power/comms resilience

Personal Care [79.41oz total]

Clothing layers
Hygiene supplies
Comfort items

Enables: Extended operation in varying conditions

Each system designed for:

Weather resistance at speed
Rapid access when needed
Cross-compatibility between containers
Multiple use cases

Fox's Circle of Accessibility

A Framework for Equipment Classification and Storage Optimization

Core Principles

Equipment should be stored at the furthest accessible tier that doesn't compromise its utility
Each tier move inward approximately doubles the importance of weight/space efficiency
Multi-use items may occupy different tiers based on primary function
Seasonal adjustments may shift items between tiers

Scoring System

Rate each item on a scale of 1-5 in each category:

Time Criticality (T)

Immediate (< 5 minutes)
Very Soon (< 1 hour)
Same Day (< 24 hours)
This Week (< 7 days)
Eventually (> 7 days)

Consequence Severity (C)

Life-threatening if absent
Major health/safety impact
Significant discomfort/limitation
Notable inconvenience
Minor inconvenience

Weight/Space Penalty (W)

Negligible
Light/Small
Moderate
Heavy/Bulky
Very Heavy/Bulky

Multi-Use Factor (M)

Critical in 3+ scenarios
Important in 2+ scenarios
Critical in 1 scenario
Useful in multiple scenarios
Single specific use

Tier Classification Formula

Total Score = (T × 2) + (C × 2) + (W × 1.5) + (M × 1)

Tier Placement

Tier 1 (On-Person): 35-47.5 points
Tier 2 (Vehicle/Pack): 25-34.5 points
Tier 3 (Base Cache): < 25 points

Tier Definitions

🎯 TIER 1: ON-PERSON KIT

"The No-Question Layer"

Must be immediately accessible
Carried daily
Critical for life/safety
Extremely space/weight efficient

Example Analysis:

Storm10 Shell

Time: 5 (immediate need possible)
Consequence: 5 (hypothermia risk)
Weight: 4 (light/packable)
Multi-use: 5 (critical in multiple scenarios) Score: (5×2) + (5×2) + (4×1.5) + (5×1) = 28.5 VERDICT: Tier 1

🎒 TIER 2: VEHICLE/PACK KIT

"The Day-to-Week Layer"

Accessible within 24 hours
Carried on longer trips
Enhances capability/comfort
Moderate weight/space considerations

Example Analysis:

Sleep System

Time: 3 (same-day need)
Consequence: 4 (major comfort/safety)
Weight: 2 (bulky)
Multi-use: 4 (multiple scenarios) Score: (3×2) + (4×2) + (2×1.5) + (4×1) = 21 VERDICT: Tier 2

🏠 TIER 3: BASE CACHE

"The Extended Operation Layer"

Accessible within 60 days
Stored at fixed location
Maintenance/long-term utility
Weight/space less critical

Example Analysis:

Zipper Repair Kit

Time: 1 (eventual need)
Consequence: 2 (inconvenience)
Weight: 4 (small)
Multi-use: 2 (specific uses) Score: (1×2) + (2×2) + (4×1.5) + (2×1) = 12 VERDICT: Tier 3

Modifiers and Special Considerations

Season Modifier

Items may shift one tier inward during their primary season

Example: Heavy insulation layers move from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in winter

Critical Redundancy Rule

Backup versions of Tier 1 items should be stored in Tier 2

Example: Backup fire starter, spare shell layer

Bulk Supply Rule

Consumables should be distributed across tiers with quantity tapering inward

CORE SURVIVAL

Fire Starters:

T1: 1 reliable lighter + ferrorod

T2: 3-4 ignition sources + tinder

T3: Bulk lighters, matches, tinder materials

MEDICAL/HYGIENE

Bandages:

T1: 2-3 critical sizes

T2: Full first aid selection

T3: Bulk medical supplies

Medications:

T1: 24hr supply

T2: 7-day supply

T3: 30-90 day backup

Wipes/Cleaning:

T1: 10 compressed wipes

T2: 50 wipes + small sanitizer

T3: Bulk cleaning supplies

POWER/TECH

Batteries:

T1: 1 primary bank

T2: 2 backup banks + solar

T3: Multiple banks + charging infrastructure

Device Cables:

T1: 1 essential cable

T2: 2-3 backup cables

T3: Spare cables + adapters

Light Sources:

T1: Primary light + backup

T2: 2-3 lights + batteries

T3: Bulk batteries + spare lights

CLOTHING/COMFORT

Socks & Underwear:

T1: 1 pair on + 1 spare

T2: 2-3 pairs

T3: 7-14 pairs + replacements

TOOLS/REPAIR

Cordage:

T1: 10ft paracord

T2: 50ft various cord

T3: Bulk rope/cord supplies

Tape:

T1: 3ft flat-rolled

T2: Full roll

T3: Multiple types/rolls

Repair Patches:

T1: 2-3 critical sizes

T2: Full repair kit

T3: Bulk materials

NAVIGATION/DOCS

Maps:

T1: Essential local

T2: Regional set

T3: Full map library

Emergency Info:

T1: Critical cards/contacts

T2: Document copies

T3: Full document archive

Writing Tools:

T1: One reliable pen

T2: Small writing kit

T3: Bulk supplies

FOOD/NUTRITION

Emergency Food:

T1: 24hr high-density

T2: 3-day supply

T3: 2-week+ storage

Electrolytes:

T1: 2-3 packets

T2: 10-pack

T3: Bulk supply

Energy/Protein:

T1: 2 bars

T2: 6-8 bars

T3: Bulk nutrition supplies

Weight Distribution Target

Tier 1: < 15% of body weight
Tier 2: < 25% of body weight
Tier 3: No specific limit

Application Process

Score item using rubric
Apply relevant modifiers
Consider special rules
Assign initial tier
Validate against space/weight constraints
Adjust if necessary
Review quarterly or after significant use

Version Notes

v1.0 - Initial framework development

Based on urban/wilderness crossover use
Optimized for motorcycle/foot mobility
Emphasizes modular system approach

mindmap
 
  root((Gear Systems))
 
    Creative Capture
 
      XPro3
 
        (Visual Documentation)
 
        (Art Creation)
 
        (Income Generation)
 
        (Story Capture)
 
        (Memory Archive)
 
      Grandmother's Recorder
 
        (Sound Collection)
 
        (Music Creation)
 
        (Memory Preservation)
 
        (Family Connection)
 
        (Field Recording)
 
      Watercolor Kit
 
        (Art Creation)
 
        (Location Documentation)
 
        (Meditative Practice)
 
        (Gift Giving)
 
        (Teaching)
 
    Navigation & Safety
 
      Trail Marking Tape
 
        (Route Finding)
 
        (Safety System)
 
        (Message Leaving)
 
        (Territory Marking)
 
      Baofeng Radio
 
        (Emergency Comms)
 
        (Weather Reports)
 
        (Community Contact)
 
        (Navigation Aid)
 
    Tools & Utility
 
      Molletta Knife
 
        (Practical Cutting)
 
        (Craft Enabler)
 
        (Art Object)
 
        (Conversation Piece)
 
      Hatchet
 
        (Wood Processing)
 
        (Camp Setup)
 
        (Trail Clearing)
 
      Motorcycle Tools
 
        (Vehicle Repair)
 
        (General Maintenance)
 
        (Problem Solving)
 
    Comfort & Survival
 
      Sleep System
 
        (Rest Enable)
 
        (Weather Protection)
 
        (Home Base)
 
      LED Light
 
        (Night Navigation)
 
        (Camp Function)
 
        (Emergency Signal)
 
      Dry Bags
 
        (Gear Protection)
 
        (Organization)
 
        (Water Management)
 
    Personal Expression
 
      Handmade Ceramics
 
        (Daily Ritual)
 
        (Art Practice)
 
        (Self Reliance)
 
      Hand-Dyed Items
 
        (Personal Style)
 
        (Craft Practice)
 
        (Utility)
 
      Spliffings Kit
 
        (Relaxation)
 
        (Social Connection)
 
        (Creative Enhancement)